Trump's team drafts Russia pressure plans, Bloomberg

US officials have prepared several economic measures for President Donald Trump to consider in order to increase pressure on Russia over its ongoing war in Ukraine, Bloomberg reported on May 2, citing unnamed sources familiar with internal deliberations.

According to the report, the proposed options—which remain undisclosed—are designed to compel Russian President Vladimir Putin to engage in meaningful negotiations and bring an end to the conflict. Although Trump has previously threatened to impose new tariffs and sanctions on Moscow, such measures have not yet been implemented.

Shortly after returning to office, Trump warned that Russia could face severe economic consequences unless it moved toward peace. "We can do it the easy way or the hard way," he reportedly said in one of his early briefings on Ukraine. Yet, despite mounting pressure from Kyiv and allies, no concrete steps have followed.

In recent comments, Trump cast doubt on Moscow’s willingness to deescalate, citing continued Russian attacks across Ukraine. Ukrainian officials have urged Washington to ramp up economic and diplomatic pressure to stop the Kremlin's military campaign.

While the specific tools being considered remain unclear, sources told Bloomberg that a final decision has not been made and depends entirely on the president. Diplomacy is still in motion, and Trump is said to be watching ongoing negotiations closely.

A day earlier, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that while the US remains committed to peace efforts, it plans to scale back its role as the main mediator. This signals a notable shift in Washington’s strategy after months of diplomatic stagnation.

Earlier this year, the US launched an intensive diplomatic push, proposing a 30-day ceasefire and partial truces to protect critical civilian infrastructure. But Russia dismissed the initiatives and has since ramped up its attacks across Ukraine.

Kyiv, by contrast, has accepted the US-backed plan and continues to insist on a full, unconditional halt to Russian aggression.

Meanwhile, bipartisan support for stronger action is growing in Congress. On May 1, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said that at least 72 senators are prepared to vote in favor of sweeping sanctions and tariffs if Putin refuses to engage in serious peace talks.